His Lovable Klutz (Completed)

Segment Two.

♥ Phone Call ♥

      Coby trudged up the narrow stairs to her apartment, every step feeling like an insurmountable task after a long, grueling day at work. She fumbled with her keys, finally managing to unlock the door and push it open with her shoulder. As the familiar, slightly musty scent of her apartment greeted her, she let out a heavy sigh of relief. She kicked off her shoes, not bothering to place them neatly by the door but letting them lie haphazardly where they landed.

      Her first stop was the small table by the door where she flipped on her voicemail box. It whirred to life with a series of clicks and beeps, signaling new messages. She let the machine play, knowing she had no energy to respond to anything immediately. Instead, she collapsed onto her couch, the cushions sighing under her weight. The springs squeaked in protest, but she ignored it, feeling her muscles melt into the worn fabric.

      The first message began with a cheery beep and the unmistakable voice of her mother.

      Hi, sweetie, it's Mom! Just calling to check in and see how you're doing. We haven't heard from you in a while. Give me a call when you get a chance. Love you! 

      The message ended with a final beep, the machine clicking over to the next.

      The second message started with a more ominous beep.

      Miss Cooper, this is Mr. Jenkins, your landlord. Just a friendly reminder that your rent is due in a few days. Make sure to have it ready on time. Thank you. 

Another beep signaled the end of the message, and the machine fell silent.

      Coby groaned, running a hand through her disheveled hair. "Great, just what I needed," she muttered.

      She reached into her bag, rummaging through its contents until she found her phone. It was an old model, an android flat-screen that had seen better days. The once sleek design was now marred by scratches and a small crack in the corner of the screen. Most people had upgraded to the latest tech, but Coby clung to her trusty old phone, more out of financial necessity than sentimentality.

      She powered it on, the screen lighting up with a faint hum. As she scrolled through her contacts, the phone lagged slightly, a reminder of its age. Finally, she found her mother's number and pressed the call button. The phone emitted a series of beeps before the familiar dial tone filled the room. She placed the phone to her ear, waiting for her mother to pick up.

      "Hello?" Her mother's voice came through, warm and cheerful.

      "Hey, Mom, it's me," Coby replied, forcing some brightness into her tone.

      "Oh, Coby! It's so good to hear from you. How have you been?"

      "I've been good, Mom. Busy, you know how it is," Coby said, glancing around her cluttered apartment. "How's everything on your end?"

      "We're doing fine. Charlotte quit her job again."

      "What happened this time?" Coby asked, though she had a sinking feeling she already knew the answer.

      "Well, you know Charlotte," her mother began, a note of exasperation creeping into her voice. "She said she couldn't take the stress anymore. Apparently, her boss kept asking her to actually do work, and she just couldn't handle it."

      From the background, Coby heard Charlotte's voice pipe up defensively. "That's not true! He wanted me to work on weekends, Mom! Weekends! I need my beauty sleep!"

      Coby couldn't help but laugh. "Charlie, you're impossible."

      "You don't understand, Cobes," Charlotte continued, her voice growing louder as she approached the phone. "He wanted me to come in on a Saturday for a meeting. A meeting about what? Paperwork! Can you believe it? Paperwork on a Saturday. That's when I do my nails!"

      Coby shook her head, grinning. "Sounds rough."

      "It was, it really was," Charlotte insisted. "And now Mom's acting like I'm a total bum just because I quit."

      "Because you are a bum!" their mother interjected, her voice rising in exasperation.

      "I'm not!" Charlotte shot back. "I'm just taking a break to find myself. Everyone does it!"

      "Everyone does not do it, besides you say that all the time," their mother retorted, the bickering escalating.

      Coby listened to the familiar sounds of their argument, a combination of amusement and nostalgia washing over her. Her mother and Charlotte had never for once get along long before Piper, her little niece, came into the picture. Their conversation had always been a debate.

      The back-and-forth continued, growing louder and more animated, until finally, Charlotte declared, "I'm going to my room!"

      There was the sound of footsteps and a door slamming shut, leaving their mother to sigh heavily into the phone.

      "Sorry about that, dear," her mother said, her tone softening. "It's been a bit hectic around here."

      "I can tell," Coby replied, chuckling. "But hey, it keeps things interesting, right?"

      "True enough. So, how's work? You never really talk about it much."

      Coby hesitated, not wanting to reveal how bad things really were. She plastered on a bright smile, even though her mother couldn't see it. "Oh, work is great! I'm still at the fancy hotel, you know, working as a receptionist. It's really nice there. The guests are always interesting, and the staff is amazing. Plus, the hotel is gorgeous. Really upscale."

      "That sounds wonderful! I'm so glad to hear it," her mother said, clearly pleased. "And your apartment? How's that coming along?"

      "It's great, Mom. Really spacious and modern. I've got a great view of the city, and everything's just perfect," Coby lied, glancing around at the mess that surrounded her.

      "That sounds lovely, dear. I'm so happy for you."

      "Thanks, Mom," Coby said, feeling a pang of guilt for the web of lies she was weaving. "Listen, I'm really tired. It's been a long day, and I think I need to get some rest."

      "Of course, sweetie. You take care of yourself, okay? And don't be a stranger. Call more often."

      "I will, Mom. Love you."

      "Love you too, Coby. Goodnight."

      "Goodnight." Coby ended the call, letting out a deep breath.

      She sank back into the couch, feeling the weight of the day and the weight of her lies pressing down on her. But for now, all she could do was close her eyes and hope that tomorrow would be a little less chaotic.